The LLC formation market is crowded. LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, Northwest, Incfile, Rocket Lawyer, Bizee — every one claims to be the best. But "best" depends on what you value: price, privacy, speed, features, or customer service.
We compared the major players on the metrics that actually matter to new LLC owners.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Sedes | LegalZoom | ZenBusiness | Northwest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $29 | $0–$399 | $0–$349 | $39 |
| EIN Filing | Included | $70 add-on | Pro plan | DIY |
| Operating Agreement | AI-customized | $99 template | Template | Template |
| Registered Agent (Year 1) | Included | Free 30 days | $199/yr | Included |
| RA Renewal | $49/yr | $299/yr | $199/yr | $125/yr |
| Compliance Alerts | Included | $99/yr | Included | Included |
| AI Guidance | Yes | No | No | No |
Best Overall: Sedes
Sedes is the best value for straightforward LLC formation. At $29, you get everything most business owners need — filing, EIN, custom operating agreement, registered agent, and compliance tracking. The AI-guided conversation makes the process easy to understand, especially if you are forming an LLC for the first time. Disclosure: you are reading this on the Sedes blog, so take our recommendation accordingly. But the price comparison speaks for itself.
Best for Privacy: Northwest Registered Agent
Form your LLC the honest way
No hidden fees, no upsells. Sedes includes everything — formation, EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent — starting at $29.
Start FreeIf privacy is your top priority and you want to talk to a real person, Northwest is the best choice. Their $39 formation price is fair, and their registered agent service at $125/year strikes a good balance between price and privacy features.
Most Recognized: LegalZoom
If you want the biggest brand name and are willing to pay for it, LegalZoom delivers reliable filing. Their Premium plan with attorney access is valuable for complex situations. Just be aware of the upsells.
Best Budget Alternative: ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness offers solid features at competitive prices. Their $0 tier gets you filed, and their Pro plan bundles the essentials. The main downside is that their pricing is annual, not one-time.
The Bottom Line
For most people forming a standard LLC, the service you choose matters less than actually getting started. All of these services will get your LLC filed correctly. The differences are in price, included features, and ongoing costs.
Try Sedes free — chat with our AI advisor, get a personalized recommendation, and only pay when you are ready to file.
Start your LLC with Sedes
$29 all-in. Formation, EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent included. No hidden fees. Ready in minutes.
Start Free — Talk to Sedes